Community cinemas across the UK play a valuable role in bringing communities together to engage with film, build relationships, combat loneliness, to educate. In times of physical distancing they, and their representative body Cinema For All have found new ways to continue this.
Problems and Purpose
The current Corona Virus pandemic is affecting us all in many heartbreaking ways. Yet it is also highlighting the strength and resilience of communities to pull together and support one another. Communities cinemas and film societies have always played a key roll for the communities they represent, often providing a space for diverse groups to come together as a community and engage with a wide range of films. As physical distancing rules in the UK have put in-person gatherings on hold community cinemas have come up with new and innovative ways to do their part in supporting one another, combating the effects of social isolation through film based activities. In support of this Cinema For All, the national support and development organisation for community-led cinema, has worked to support their members (film societies and community cinemas) with ideas for continuing to support their audiences in innovative ways.
Background History and Context
Community cinemas play a key role in broadening access to film in the UK. There are around 1300 community-led cinema groups in the UK, many of which serve communities that are often unable to access commercial cinema for a whole range of different reasons. Location wise, 31% of community-led groups operate in rural locations whilst only 3% of commercial cinemas serve these populations [1]. Community-led groups will often work on projects that combat loneliness, that make cinema more accessible, that offer discussions and educational activities and that bring together from different backgrounds to experience film. These really are groups that prioritize community building and participation.
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
Cinema for All represents the UK's federation of film societies. It provides support and advice for community cinema groups around the country.
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
As Corona Virus prevents collective screenings there have been fantastic examples of community-led cinema groups supporting their members in this time of physical distancing across the UK, reminding us all that whilst we need to be physically distant it has never been more important to have social solidarity. In the early stages of the pandemic in the UK Leigh Film Society were doing DVD deliveries to people isolating, once that was no longer possible they, like many others, moved screenings online to maintain those strong film based bonds across their community. Deptford Cinema have started DC on demand with 4 screenings a week for people to get involved in whilst also staying home and keeping safe, alongside a daily quiz of 5 questions a day and a weekly winner to keep everyone engaged throughout the week. LesFlicks have got involved with a global virtual lesbian festival to support artists, filmmakers, musicians and comedians who might now be out of work in light of the pandemic. C Fylm have set up Facebook groups to facilitate the sort of post screening chatter that would have previously happened in the village hall screenings taking place throughout Cornwall. To support these groups Cinema For All have provided regular updates and resources to set up online film clubs as well as ongoing support and conversation between groups including Top 5 lists and twitter film quizzes.
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
Cinema might seem like a small thing in a time like this. But there is power in film and in community. When we are abiding by the rules of physical distancing, staying at home to protect ourselves and others loneliness and mental health become major factors. Community networks are thus key, and community cinemas and film societies are showing just how important they are, not only now but always. The opportunity to watch a film together, to talk about it, to disagree about it, is a fantastic remedy, a distraction at a time like this. Being able to do this with friends, old and new in any space, in person, or now online builds community and combats loneliness at a time when this is really needed.
Analysis and Lessons Learned
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See Also
References
[1] Cinema for All (2020). Why are Community Cinemas Important? [online]. Available at: https://cinemaforall.org.uk/about-cinema-for-all/about-the-sector/community-cinema-important/